Mazda MAZDA3 vs Nissan Altima

The 2025 Nissan Altima presented a balanced design that was both appealing and practical. It managed to capture attention without alienating potential buyers with overly bold styling choices. The introduction of the SV Special Edition trim added a touch of sportiness with black wheels and a rear spoiler, making it a standout option for the year. Our test model, the SR trim, featured sporty elements like 19-inch wheels and a sport suspension, though it lacked the more powerful VC-Turbo engine. The Tactical Green paint, paired with optional bronze wheels, turned heads in Los Angeles, a city where unique colors are rare amidst a sea of grayscale vehicles. However, the interior of the Altima was less impressive, with low-grade plastics and visible foam insulation detracting from its overall appeal. The lack of the SR Premium Package meant missing out on desirable features like dual-zone climate control and a larger infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 exuded a refined elegance that was unmistakably Mazda. Its design echoed the brand's signature style, with a prominent polygonal grille and sleek headlights that gave it a sophisticated presence. The side profile was marked by gracefully sculpted panels and a metallic window trim, while the rear maintained a harmonious aesthetic. Inside, the Mazda 3's cabin rivaled entry-level luxury vehicles, with a tastefully designed dashboard and high-quality materials. The digital display mimicked traditional gauges, offering a blend of classic and modern elements. The Carbon Edition model featured red leather upholstery, adding a sporty flair. Despite a minor critique of the door panel material, the overall construction was solid, free from creaks or squeaks, making the Mazda 3 a distinguished choice in its class.

The 2025 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduced output to 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable automatic transmission provided a smooth, if unremarkable, driving experience. The Altima's handling was balanced, though the steering lacked precision, and the brakes could overheat with aggressive driving. Fuel efficiency was decent, with the AWD model achieving 28.3 mpg in testing, though it came at a higher cost compared to the FWD version. The Altima did not offer a hybrid option, making it less appealing for those prioritizing fuel economy.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two drivetrain options. The base 2.5-liter engine produced 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo model increased output to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium. The base engine's performance was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, while the Turbo model was more spirited, reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Mazda 3's i-Activ AWD system enhanced traction and handling, providing a more engaging driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda 3 maintained a comfortable ride, with only minor road noise and wind flutter at highway speeds.

The 2025 Nissan Altima boasted a comfortable interior, with front seats designed using Nissan's Zero Gravity concept to reduce fatigue on long drives. The front passenger seat, despite lacking a height adjuster, offered excellent leg support. The rear seats were supportive and spacious enough for adults, though rear air conditioning vents were absent in the SR trim. The Altima's trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, offering practicality akin to an SUV.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3, while stylish and performance-oriented, fell short in terms of interior space. The front seats accommodated taller occupants, but the rear seats were cramped for adults, with limited room for stretching out. The hatchback's design further restricted visibility with thick rear pillars. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a flat load floor and remote seatback releases for added convenience. The hatchback variant provided more cargo capacity, making it a better choice for those needing extra space.

The 2025 Nissan Altima offered two infotainment systems. The standard setup featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SV Special Edition and SL trims boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and additional features. The Premium Package, recommended for SR buyers, enhanced the infotainment experience. The standard sound system was adequate, but the nine-speaker Bose system was reserved for the SL trim.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3's technology was somewhat dated, with a standard 8.8-inch display controlled by a dial on the center console. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, though lacking in advanced features. The standard eight-speaker Bose audio system was underwhelming, with a 12-speaker option available on the top trim. Mazda Connect offered remote monitoring and control, with Alexa Built-in for voice commands.

The 2025 Nissan Altima's SL trim offered advanced safety features like ProPilot Assist 1.0, a surround-view camera, and active blind-spot monitoring. Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but performed poorly in IIHS evaluations.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard i-Activsense features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a surround-view camera. The systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control had delayed reactions.